Planning a family day in NYC can feel a little overwhelming because there are so many things to see and do. After exploring New York City with my family over the years, I’ve learned that some of the best experiences are the ones that give kids something exciting to look forward to while still being enjoyable for the adults.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in New York City with kids, this guide brings together some of our favorite family-friendly attractions, iconic NYC experiences, and places worth adding to your list.
From exploring Central Park and visiting famous museums to discovering interactive experiences and incredible views of the city, there’s something here for just about every kind of family adventure.
And I’ll keep updating this guide as we discover more places around NYC, so you may want to save it for your next family day in the city!
Is New York a Good Place to Take Kids?
If you’re wondering whether New York City is a fantastic destination for your family, the answer is an enthusiastic yes! The Big Apple caters to children of all ages with its vast array of attractions. From interactive museums that bring learning to life to immersive shows that ignite their imagination. And from scenic parks to mouthwatering treats that satisfy even the pickiest eaters, New York City attractions for children are abundant. Brace yourselves for an extraordinary adventure where your kids will create lifelong memories in the heart of the city.
NYC – A Child-Friendly City
New York City wears its child-friendly badge with pride! And when you’re searching for fun things to do in New York City with kids, you’ll quickly realize just how much the city has to offer families.
From stroller-friendly sidewalks that make exploring easier to convenient public transportation that can become part of the adventure, getting around NYC with kids is more manageable than you might think. You’ll also find plenty of family-friendly accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and experiences throughout the city.
With a little planning, exploring New York City as a family can be comfortable, exciting, and filled with unforgettable memories.
Best Kid-Friendly Areas in Central Park
Central Park, the iconic oasis in the heart of Manhattan, is a treasure trove of kid-friendly activities. Here are the top kid-friendly areas within Central Park that will make your little ones’ faces light up with joy:
- Central Park Zoo (East Side): Location: 64th Street & 5th Avenue, New York, NY Ticket Price: Suggested donation – $23 for adults, $13 for children.
- Heckscher Playground (Central Park South): Location: Central Park South & 7th Avenue, New York, NY Ticket Price: Free
- Victorian Gardens Amusement Park (Wollman Rink): Location: Central Park South, New York, NY Ticket Price: Varies. Check the official website for current ticket prices
- The Loeb Boathouse (The Lake): Location: East 72nd Street & Park Drive North, New York, NY Ticket Price: Rowboat rentals start at $20 per hour (cash only).
- Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (North End): Location: 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues, New York, NY Ticket Price: Free.
More Exciting Things to Do with Kids in NYC:
- American Museum of Natural History (Upper West Side): Location: Central Park West & 79th Street, New York, NY Ticket Price: Suggested donation – $23 for adults, $13 for children.
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (Hell’s Kitchen): Location: Pier 86, W 46th Street & 12th Avenue, New York, NY Ticket Price: Adults – $33, children – $24
- Children’s Museum of Manhattan (Upper West Side): Location: 212 West 83rd Street, New York, NY. Ticket Price: Approximately $15 per person.
- The High Line (Chelsea): Location: Gansevoort Street to West 34th Street, New York, NY Ticket Price: Free
- Bronx Zoo (Bronx): Location: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY Ticket Price: Adults – $28.95 to $39.95, children – $20.95 to $29.95. Wednesday Admission. Advance tickets are required for Wednesday reduced admission and are made available at 5:00 pm the Monday before. Reserve Wednesday Tickets
More Fun Things to Do in New York City with Kids
- Coney Island (Brooklyn): Location: 1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Ticket Price: Prices for rides and attractions vary
- Governors Island: Location: Ferries depart from Battery Maritime Building, 10 South Street, New York, NY. Ticket Price: Ferry tickets – $3 for adults, free for children under 13
- Brooklyn Bridge Park (Brooklyn Heights): Location: 334 Furman Street, Brooklyn, NY. Ticket Price: Free, although certain activities may have associated fees.
- Liberty Science Center (Jersey City): Location: 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ. Ticket Price: Ticket prices vary; general admission starts at around $25 for adults, $21 for children.
- Staten Island Ferry: Location: Ferry terminals at Whitehall Terminal (Manhattan) and St. George Terminal (Staten Island) Ticket Price: Free.
- Sea Glass Carousel (Battery Park): Location: Battery Park, State Street & Water Street, New York, NY Ticket Price: $6 per ride (cash only).
Remember to check the official websites or contact the attractions for the most up-to-date information on locations, ticket prices, and availability.
New York City is a vibrant playground of excitement and wonders for families with kids. From the enchanting Central Park and interactive museums to thrilling amusement parks and breathtaking views, the city offers an abundance of attractions that will leave your kids wide-eyed with wonder. Embrace the energy and diversity of New York City as you embark on unforgettable experiences together. Get ready to create cherished memories and laughter-filled adventures in the heart of the city that never sleeps!
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Bronx Zoo looks very fun 🤩 will be planning a visit soon
Let me start off by saying your Blog is so outstanding love All your content
This post gives me so many ideas to make my children happy on there summer vacation thank you very much